Belmont Park

What: Belmont Park is a spectacular beachfront amusement center for all ages! It's all here - roller coasters, a wave simulator, miniature golf, games, shops, beachfront restaurants and other fun attractions.

Where: 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego

When: Sundays, 11am-8pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-10pm.

Cost: Free admission

Need More Info: Visit www.belmontpark.com or call (858) 228-WAVE

From now on, noteworthy events and attractions will be updated occasionally at Mama Sparkles. I look forward to your visit!

The BFG

What: Roald Dahl's classic tale of The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) comes to life with a stage adaptation by San Diego Junior Theatre. Join Sophie and her 24-foot gentle, loveable giant on a thrilling adventure to Buckingham Palace to save the kids of England! Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Where: Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park.

When: Friday, February 27th through March 15th. Shows start at 7pm on Friday, 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Cost: Ticket prices range from $8-$13.

Need More Info: Visit www.juniortheatre.com or call (619) 239-8355.

Family Day: Sea Secrets

What: Make a trip to the Birch Aquarium even better with a reading by children's author Beth Simmons. She'll be reading from her new book, Sea Secrets: Tiny Clues to a Big Mystery. Also join in on a fun scientific investigation, make crafts, and more.

Where: Birch Aquarium at Scripps - 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

When: Saturday, February 21st from 11am-3pm.

Cost: Adults $11, ages 3-17 $7.50, ages 2 & under free.

Need More Info: Visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu or call (858) 534-FISH.

High School Musical 2

What: You've seen the movie, now see it again on stage! The Young Actors' Theatre Presents "High School Musical 2." Join the Wildcats for this exciting musical adventure and experience all the summer fun once more!

Where: Musem of Contemporary Art, 700 Sherwood ST., La Jolla

When: Friday, February 20th at 7pm. Additional performances through March 1st.

Cost: Tickets range from $15-$18.

Need More Info: Visit www.yatsandiego.org or call (619) 670-1627.

Family Valentine Party at Quail Botanical Gardens

What: Quail Botanical Gardens get even more beautiful with a family Valentine party! Play in the Seeds of Wonder Garden, decorate heart-shaped cookies, pot a colorful Valentine plant and make a collage.

Where: Quail Botanical Gardens - 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA

When: Saturday, February 14th from 10-141:30 am. Pre-registration required.

Cost: $10 per child

Need More Info: Visit www.qbgardens.org, call (760) 436-3036 ext. 222, or email SBrueckner@qbgardens.org

KinderNights: I Love Animals

What: What could be better than a day at the zoo with your youngster? How about celebrating Valentine's Day with a special animal presentation? Take your children, age 3-6 and learn all about some lovable critters, make a heart-shaped animal craft, eat snacks and hear some great stories.

Where: The San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park

When: Friday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m (program lasts 90 minutes)

Cost: $11 per person (child or adult)

Need More Info: Visit the calendar at the website here or call (619) 557-3969.

Family Open Studios

What: Take part in an art making workshop designed for the whole family. Take your time and view the Juried Biennial Art Exhibition by regional artists. A specially designed art project related to the exhibition and suited to all age levels will then be presented in the outdoor Courtyard.

Where: Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad City Library Complex - 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad.

When: Saturday, February 7th from 11am-2pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.carlsbadca.gov/arts or call (760) 602-2021.

Festival of the Arts

What: Enjoy a bit of everything at the Festival of the Arts! Students enrolled in Envision, at Canyon Crest Academy will be performing and presenting their exhibits. There will also be an art gallery, film screenings, open-air concerts, live theater and more.

Where: Morgan Run Club & Resort - 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe.

When: Saturday, February 7th from 11am-5pm.

Cost: $5-$10. Entry wristbands pre-sold online.

Need More Info: Visit www.canyoncrestfoundation.org

Tea Party at Color Me Mine

What: It's a tea party! Head down to Color Me Mine and enjoy painting a teacup and saucer. Tea and snacks will be provided, as well as a chance to win a teacup and other great prizes.

Where: 21KB Town Center Pkwy., Santee

When: Saturday, January 31st from 2pm-5pm.

Cost: $18 per person

Need More Info: Call (619) 258-8525 or visit www.santee.colormemine.com

San Elijo Nature Center

What: You won't want to miss this - the brand new San Eljio Nature Center is having its grand opening! Guided bird and easy nature walks will be provided throughout the day, as well as some great activities for the kids. Take part in a treasure hunt, view live animals close up, take a tour, and much more.

Where: San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve Nature Center - 2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. Take note that their parking lot is still under construction, so you will probably want to park at MiraCosta College on 3333 Manchester Avenue. Free shuttles start at 10 am.

When: Saturday, January 31st from 11am - 4:00pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Call (760) 436-3944 or visit the website.

Cannon Battles on San Diego Bay

What: Experience a thrilling cannon battle reenactment "Pirates of the Caribbean" style! Watch the Californian and the Lynx battle it out as you witness the action on board. Travel back in time to the 1800's and board a tall ship for this unforgettable chance of a lifetime! Not recommended for children age four years and younger.

Where: Maritime Museum, North Embarcadero. 1492 North Harbor Drive, Downtown San Diego.

When: Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th from 1-4pm. Check-in is from 9am-12:30pm and ships board at 12:30pm sharp.

Cost: Tickets range from $35-$55.

Need More Info: Visit www.sdmaritime.com or call (619) 234-9153, ext. 101

Winter Showcase Concert

What: The San Diego Youth Symphony will be presenting an afternoon of musical performances. Don't miss this opportunity to hear splendid works such as Variations on Chester by Elliot del Borgo, Where the Sun Breaks Through the Mist by Michael Sweeney, Slava by Leonard Bernstein, Canticle by Jack Stamp, and Carmen Suite No.1 by Georges Bizet. Also, be sure to catch a performance by Oak Park percussion in the lobby.

Where: California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido

When: Saturday, January 24th from 3-5pm

Cost: Tickets range from $5-$30. Call or email for tickets.

Need More Info: Visit www.sdys.org or call (619) 233-3232, ext.115. Email: tickets@sdys.org

Vietnamese Tet Festival

What: It's the Lunar New Year, and you're invited to celebrate! Watch magnificent lion and dragon dance performances, martial arts, magicians, a Vietnamese traditional dress fashion show, floral exhibits, Asian cuisine, carnical rides and more.

Where: Mira Mesa Community Park & Library, 8679 Mira Mesa Blvd.

When: Saturday, January 17th from 10am-10pm. Also on Sunday, January 18th from 10am-6pm.

Cost: Ages 12 and up, $5, ages 11 and under are free.

Need More Info: Visit www.tetfest.org.

Multicultural Festival

What: This is a great cultural event your family won't want to miss! Head to the Multicultural Festival and learn about cultures from around the globe. Storytelling, music, food and kid-friendly activities are all part of the fun. Be sure to check out the Global Villages which showcase a variety of international customs.

Where: Along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, Harbor Dr., between Fourth Ave.& Market St., Downtown San Diego.

When: Saturday, January 17th, from 11am-5pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.ccdc.com or call (619) 533-7145.

Old Town Saturday Market

What: Visit the Old Town Saturday Market where you'll find unique clothing, food, paintings, jewelery, pottery and much more. It's the largest weekly artisan market in the heart of Old Town. Live music will also entertain you while you shop.

Where: Harney St., between San Diego Avenue and Congress Street. Old Town, San Diego.

When: Saturday, January 10th, from 9am-3pm.

Cost: Free

Need More Info: Visit www.oldtownsaturdaymarket.com.

"Annie"

What: If you grew up watching the movie "Annie", you will love it on Broadway! Introduce a new generation to this classic featuring all your favorite hits such as It's a Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow.

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 3rd and B St., Downtown San Diego.

When: Friday, January 9th at 7:30pm. Also playing Saturday, January 10th at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, January 11th at 1pm and 6pm.

Cost: Tickets range from $20-$61.

Need More Info: Visit www.ticketmaster.com, www.broadwaysd.com or call (619) 570-1100.

Holiday of Lights at Del Mar Fairgrounds

What: Take one last look at some lights until next holiday season at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. See more than 400 brilliant themed displays as you drive around the track. The perfect way to end the season!

Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

When: Friday, January 2nd from 5:30-11pm and Saturday, January 3rd from 5:30-10pm.

Cost: $14 per car (up to five people); $19 per vehicle (six or more people).

Need More Info: Visit www.holidayoflights.com, or call (858) 793-5555.

Family Day at the International Auto Show

What: It's a special day for families at the San Diego International Auto Show! Just make sure to stop by the Mazda exhibit and meet none other than Spider-Man and Iron Man! Then continue your super day with test drives and giveaways, explore the eco-center and check out over 400 new-model vehicles, concept cars, alternative fuel vehicles and specialty cars, trucks and vans throughout over 600,000 square feet of displays on two floors.

Where: San Diego Convention Center - 111 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown San Diego

When: Sunday, January 4th. Mazda exhibit is from 10am-3pm. The rest of the show closes at 7pm.

Cost: Adults $10; ages 12 and under free with paid adult.

Need More Info: Visit www.sdautoshow.com or call (619)525-5000.